These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft and chewy with plenty of chocolate and little pops of peppermint in every bite. They’re festive without being overly minty, so you still get that classic chocolate chip cookie flavor with a Christmas twist.

Crushed candy canes give them a pretty holiday finish and a little crunch around the edges. They’re perfect for Christmas cookie trays, parties or packing into little treat boxes for neighbors and friends.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 9–11 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup crushed candy canes, divided
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, optional

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
2. Beat in the egg, vanilla and peppermint extract until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until a soft dough forms.
5. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips if using and about half of the crushed candy canes.
6. Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Scoop the dough into roughly 1 1/2-tablespoon portions and place about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
10. Immediately press a few additional chocolate chips and pieces of crushed candy cane into the tops while the cookies are warm.
11. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Good to Know

Add most of the decorative candy cane pieces after baking. Peppermint candy can melt and become sticky in the oven, so this keeps the cookies prettier and gives you those bright red-and-white pieces on top.

And stick with 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. A little goes a long way here!

Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie)

Calories: ~145
Protein: ~2 g
Net Carbs: ~20 g
Fat: ~7 g
Fiber: ~1 g